REPORTS: St Kilda leading the race for a premiership Tiger

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - MAY 6: Jacob Townsend of the Tigers celebrates a goal during the 2018 AFL round seven match between the Richmond Tigers and the Fremantle Dockers at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on May 6, 2018 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Adam Trafford/AFL Media/Getty Images)

2017 premiership player Jacob Townsend looks set to leave Punt Road to head to St. Kilda in the upcoming trade period.

Townsend only played five games for the Tigers in 2017 but kicked 16 goals in that time to feature in the premiership team. Townsend started the 2018 season in the 22 however lost his place toward the back end of the year, playing 10 games and only kicking 12 goals.

Speaking on NAB AFL Trade Radio, Damian Barrett said Townsend will look for more opportunity at the Saints.

“Jacob Townsend will be seeking a new footy home, as we’ve known for some time. And I’m told it’s St Kilda who is showing the major interest in him.”

Co-host Matthew Lloyd says if St. Kilda does not eventuate, Townsend will seek a move to the Suns as they try to increase their stocks in mature age players.